Philippines alert to possible cyclone
The area of low pressure off the Philippines coast could develop into a tropical cyclone.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has issued an alert that an area of low pressure off the coast of the Philippines could develop into a tropical cyclone.
This area of low pressure has been bringing heavy rain to the island over the past few days, with further rain and gale force winds expected over the weekend.
Although it has not been officially named the Philippine Met Department have called the weather system 'Jolina'.
As of Saturday morning the area of low pressure is generating maximum winds of 47mph (75kph) and is moving west at 10mph (17kph). The system has slowed down over the past 24 hours but is maintaining the same direction.
Forecasters at Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have said that the storm has been enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing frequent rains over central and southern Luzon.
Residents living in low lying areas and mountain slopes have been alerted against the possibility of flooding and landslides.
